On August 12th, a new feature was unveiled that helps to interpret the Hudson River School Art Trail. Hudson's Promenade Park (Parade Hill) is now host to a rubbing medallion that calls attention to a view of the Hudson River painted in 1864 by Sanford Robinson Gifford. U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, R-19, Thomas Cole Historic Site Director Elizabeth Jacks, Hudson River Valley Greenway Acting Executive Director Mark Castiglione, Assemblywoman Didi Barrett, D-106, and Olana Partnership President Sara Griffen were all in attendance at the unveiling. Read more...

Ulster County Trails Summit

On Saturday, July, 20th, the Kingston Land Trust and the City of Kingston hosted a Trails Summit at the Kingston City Hall. The Greenway was featured on a panel about the regional vision for trails in the Hudson Valley. The summit also included speakers from the Kingston Rail Trail Committee, the National Park Service, the Ulster County Planning Department, and Parks and Trails New York. The summit was a great way for trail advocates to connect and share ideas. There are many great trail projects in Ulster County, and we thank the Kingston Land Trust and the City of Kingston for this wonderful event!

Applications for the Greenway Conservancy Small Grant Program are now available. This annual matching grant offers funding for trail planning and design, construction and rehabilitation, and education and interpretation. Emphasis is placed on trail projects that seek to implement the goals of the Greenway Trail Vision Plan, fill in identified gaps in the Greenway Trail System, and make improvements to designated Greenway Trails. A total of $50,000 is available for matching grants in this year's program. Applications are available on the Greenway website. All applications must be postmarked by 5:00 pm, September 13, 2013.

Get Ready to Ramble!

The 14th Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble will take place September 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29, 2013. Pick up your copy of the Ramble guidebook at tourism centers, historic sites, and state parks. Or, log onto our website and search for an event of your choice. With over 200 events to choose from, there is something for everyone!

Hudson River Health

The health of the Hudson River has been a topic of great interest of late. A recent study revealed higher levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the Hudson, causing some concern over the safety of swimming in the river. Riverkeeper, who regularly monitor bacterial levels in the Hudson, has provided some guidance based on the study results. They advise safe and informed recreation on and in the Hudson. Read more... To help keep our waters safe, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation urges you not to flush unwanted household medications, but to dispose of them properly. Read more...

Applications are being accepted for funding of transportation projects through the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP). Applications must be submitted to a NYSDOT Region on or by August 16, 2013. Awards will be announced by the end of the year.

Applications are now available to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to compete for Technical Assistance Grants (TAG), a statewide program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). A total of $14,553 is available to provide support for projects that preserve New York State's cultural and historic resources. The application deadline is September 16, 2013.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (Ongoing)HUD is seeking competitive applications for individual FY 2013 program nofas that will further the achievement of HUD's strategic plan goals and policy priorities. HUD's strategic mission: to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all.

Join the HSRC who will come to the HSRC for an afternoon of live animals and nature activities. Participants will learn interesting facts about local animals including common misconceptions and folk tales.

Children will make their own rainstick using a cardboard tube and other household items. Then, we'll take a hike along the edges of the Peter's Kill stream to choose a location where kids will make their own sculptures and drawings out of natural elements such as rocks, leaves and twigs found on the ground.

Come celebrate water, a powerful landscape-changing force and a most vital resource by visiting one of Minnewaska's waterfalls. This approximately five mile walk is mostly on carriage roads until we reach the Rainbow Falls Trail.

A new installation by artist Alex McKay at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site lets you see Thomas Cole's favorite view at any time of day, any season of the year, in all kinds of weather, as reflected in a 19th-century optical device called a "Claude Mirror."

Fill Your Passport With Rubbings! Fun for the whole family! Metal plaques are now installed at the first eight stops along the Hudson River School Art Trail, located within a short drive of the Thomas Cole site and Olana.

Heritage Spotlight

Bannerman's Castle

One of the most intriguing sights along the Hudson is Bannerman's Castle, which sits on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River. Native Americans once believed the island was haunted, and a rite of passage for Colonial- era sailors making their first journey up the Hudson was to be left stationed on the island until the ship returned. During the Revolutionary War, patriots attempted to block the advance of British ships by placing iron-tipped logs between this island and Plum Point across the river.

In 1900, Pollepel Island was purchased by Francis Bannerman, a wealthy Scottish-born merchant who specialized in surplus military equipment. In 1901, Bannerman began construction of a summer home and storage warehouse modeled after a Scottish castle. He continued construction for 17 years, decorating the castle with ornate masonry and walled gardens. After his death in 1918,the family operated the warehouse compound until a munitions explosion forced them to move the operation to Long Island. Debris from the explosion included a 25-foot section of perimeter wall that landed across the railroad tracks. The castle continued as a summer home until 1967 when the family sold it to New York State. Two years later, a fire gutted the castle, leaving it an abandoned shell. The compound is now under the protection of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Bannerman Castle Trust.

The Trust hosts many fundraising and tour opportunities throughout the year, including their annual Hudson Valley Chefs Farm Fresh Dinner. This year's dinner will take place on September 7th, and you can enjoy a 5 Course Meal on Bannerman Island prepared by five of the Hudson Valley's finest Chefs. A concert version of Godspell will be performed on the island on September 21, including a self-guided tour of the island. Find out more about how to participate here.

Project Spotlight

Envision Brewster

In 2012, the Village of Brewster in Putnam County received a $7,500 matching Greenway Communities Grant for the development of a Main Street study. The purpose of the study was to conduct an existing conditions survey of Main Street, assess the needs of local business and property owners, and analyze the results to prepare a final report with recommendations for revitalization efforts in a target area. The goal was to encourage economic development and identify opportunities to develop a downtown anchor.

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress Fellows Program members completed the study in July, 2013, entitled "Envision Brewster." The Village Board of Trustees has used this report as the impetus for positive change in the Village, including establishing weekly Envision Brewster work sessions, entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with a developer for redevelopment of a section of the Village, and establishing a Comprehensive Plan committee.

The Greenway is pleased to be able to support the collaborative partnership between the Village of Brewster and Pattern for Progress. Their effort to evaluate current strengths and opportunities will provide a strong foundation as they work to prepare a vision for a revitalized downtown and balanced, sustainable community future. Read the plan here.

Green Tip Of The Month

Try Alternatives to Sealing Your Driveway

Most sealants are made from coal tar, which can be a source of toxic pollution to streams and lakes. If you must seal pavement, look for asphalt sealants. Other alternatives include different surfaces, like gravel or pavers, both of which have the added benefit of being permeable to rainwater, so they won't contribute to the flow of urban runoff.